Dr. Dario Item, the Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to Spain, the Principality of Monaco, the Principality of Liechtenstein, and the UNWTO, has been actively engaged in more than just diplomatic meetings and formalities. Since taking on the role in 2016, Dr. Item has worked tirelessly to attract significant investments to his country and positively impact ordinary citizens’ lives. He has gone beyond just signing deals and shaking hands and has even gotten his hands and feet wet occasionally in pursuit of these goals.
His efforts have brought tangible benefits to the people of Antigua and Barbuda, and he remains committed to continuing his work. Foreign Affairs Minister E.P Chet Greene has hailed Dr. Item’s work in Antigua and Barbuda as unparalleled.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne also praised Dr. Item for his hard work and dedication towards boosting the country’s economic wealth. According to the Prime Minister, “Dr. Item is a committed ambassador who not only talks the talk but also walks the walk.”
“It is clear that Dr. Item’s contributions have been instrumental in driving the country’s economic growth and development,” PM Browne said.
He has made significant investments in the country’s tourism sector, which has received a much-needed boost. It is through Dr. Item’s connections and tireless efforts that the country’s tourism sector has flourished, ultimately leading to great results, according to Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez.
“He is truly one of those ambassadors who understands his role. He is always hard at work; It amazes me the kind of attention that Dr Item has given to Antigua and Barbuda over the years…truly remarkable,” Fernandez said
What Has He Done for Antigua and Barbuda?
Dr Item is an exceptional individual who has made a significant impact through his tireless efforts. His achievements are impressive and inspiring, and he has significantly contributed to Antigua and Barbuda.
One of his notable accomplishments is the establishment of the Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid, which has facilitated important diplomatic relationships with Spain, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland.
Through his relentless promotion of Antigua and Barbuda in Europe, he has successfully attracted investors, tourists, and donors to the country.
In addition to this, Dr Item has made significant contributions to the embassy’s digital presence. He created the multilingual embassy.ag website, which provides comprehensive information about Antigua and Barbuda.
He also acquired the domain antiguabarbuda.com and turned it into the embassy’s official business hub, providing detailed information about all Antigua and Barbuda business opportunities, citizenship and residency programs, and new Digital Asset Business licenses.
Furthermore, he established the website Antiguabarbuda.digital, which showcases beautiful photos and videos of the country to promote tourism. His promotional activities have yielded impressive results, including the collection of
hundreds of applications for the Citizenship by Investment Program and Nomad Residence.
He has also attracted investors who have invested over $100 million in real estate projects, set up many companies on the island, rented office space, and generated employment opportunities for locals.
Dr Item is a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism and has been instrumental in Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. He played a crucial role in securing Antigua and Barbuda’s membership in the U.N. World Tourism Organization, which is of great importance for a country that relies heavily on tourism.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr Item has also made significant contributions to the community. He has donated $15k to the Rotary Club Antigua to support the staging of its Colour Fete, and he has provided funding for the population’s needs, including $30k to a local school and assistance with annual Christmas parties that have brought joy to many residents.
Furthermore, he has actively collaborated on creating a new digital animation studio program at UWI and found a sponsor for the initiative. Dr Item’s dedication and commitment to Antigua and Barbuda are admirable, and his contributions have made a significant impact in various areas, including diplomacy, business, tourism, and community development.
Google Street View Project e Film production in Antigua
Thanks to his invaluable contributions, Antigua and Barbuda is now part of the Google Street View project. The island nation is collaborating with World Travel in 360 to digitally transform its breathtaking landscapes on Google Maps, introducing Google Street View navigation.
It’s a revolutionary initiative that Dr Item negotiated for, which is scheduled to commence in February 2024. The initiative promises enhanced accessibility for residents and a boost in global tourism.
Dr Item’s success in building relationships with world-renowned actors and directors is well-known. Recently, he convinced the popular Italian producer Andrea Iervolino (104 films produced, including Ferrari, Lamborghini, and the Merchant of Venice) to become a citizen of the Twin Island nation through citizenship.
This was a significant achievement as it paved the way for Iervolino’s upcoming visit to Antigua, along with Jean-Claude Van Damme, the legendary action hero. Van Damme has been cast for the sequel of Kill ‘Em All, which has generated a lot of buzz among movie enthusiasts. Iervolino and Van Damme’s visit to Antigua is eagerly anticipated and is expected to be a major event in the entertainment industry.
Iervolino announced his intention to shoot more than one film in Antigua by establishing a base of operations on the island.
Let’s Get Personal
Dr. Item comes from a noble Swiss family originally hailed from Malans and Bonaduz in the Canton of Graubünden.
In 1800, the family was transplanted to Naples, the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Throughout history, Dr. Item’s ancestors have held high positions in Swiss regiments that served the Bourbon-Two Sicilies royal house, to which the Item family has always been particularly devoted. One of his great-great-grandfathers, Vincenzo Item, was a decorated soldier, with a double gold medal received for his bravery in the Battle of Gaeta (1860-1861). Another great-grandfather, Aurelio Item, was responsible for discovering the Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, originally called Villa Item.
Dr. Dario Item attended both compulsory and high school in Lugano, Switzerland before pursuing his education at the University of Geneva in Switzerland and the Universities of Parma, Ferrara, Teramo, and Genoa in Italy. He holds several degrees, including a law degree (1996) and a degree in political science (2004).
Additionally, Dr. Item holds a Master’s degree in Trust Law (2005) and in Legal Psychology and Psychopathology of Criminal Conducts (2006), a PhD in Criminal Law (2009), and an LL.M in International Financial Crimes (2012).
In 1998, he passed the bar examination at the Court of Appeal of the Canton of Ticino (Switzerland) and in 1999, he passed the public notary examination. Finally, in 2001, Dr. Item passed the exam that qualified him to practice law in Italy.
Awards and recognition
Grand Collar – O.M. of the Portuguese R.H.
Grand Collar – R.O. of the Eagle of Georgia
Knight Grand Cross – R.O. of St. Michael of the Wing
Knight Grand Cross – R.O. of the I.C. of Vila Viçosa
Knight Grand Cross – Order of Emperor Menelik II
Great Star – R.O.C. of the Georgian Kingdom
Senator Grand Badge – R.O. of Queen Tamara
Caballero – Maestranza de Caballería de Castilla
Caballero – Órden del Tercio de Extranjeros
Medal – Real Cuerpo de la Nobleza del Principado de Asturias
Medal – Cruz de Distinción del Ejército de Asturias
Medal – 1300° A. Proclamación del Rey Don Pelayo
Medal – Regimiento de Infantería Asturias n. 31